Changing Geography, Retaining the Mentality: Social and Economic Integration of Post-Soviet Immigrants in Hungary and Austria

Abstract

The article explores the relationship between social and economic aspects of the integration of Soviet immigrants in Hungary and Austria. Relying on the analysis of narratives collected through digital ethnography, the article describes paths of integration of former Soviet citizens in Hungary and Austria. The article reveals that Russian-speaking communities usually provide the first instance of social integration. They remain a major channel for economic integration via entrepreneurship for many immigrants. Along with these findings, the article develops a concept of a culture-based immigrant community – as opposed to an ethnic one – contributing in this way also to the literature on migrations.